“Prairie Fresh and I share a lot of the same values, so this partnership works well on many different levels. I’m thankful for the opportunity to work with a brand of such high caliber,” Cookston said. “I’m excited to be partnering with a company that is serious about quality and responsible farming. I look forward to competing with Prairie Fresh pork products as well as serving Prairie Fresh pork products at Memphis BBQ Company restaurant locations.”

Cookston has won top honors and won the whole-hog category five times at the Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest. The Barbecue Hall of Fame inductee owns and operates Memphis BBQ Co., a chain of restaurants with locations in Horn Lake, Mississippi and Dunwoody, Georgia as well as Steak by Melissa, a steakhouse in Southaven, Mississippi.

Cookston is the author of two cookbooks, “Smokin’ in the Boys Room” and “Smokin’ Hot in the South.” She is a well-known personality on the barbecue circuit and has been featured on multiple national TV broadcasts.

“This partnership with Melissa was such an easy fit for Prairie Fresh as the brand strives for excellence every day in the same way Melissa strives for excellence whether she is competing, serving her loyal restaurant clientele or sharing her food experiences on social media,” said Kevin Smith, vice president of sales and marketing for the Prairie Fresh brand. “Melissa has a wealth of knowledge about preparing pork and we’re looking forward to her sharing some great tips and recipes using Prairie Fresh pork that the backyard griller to the busy mom can use.”